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Historic dye puts island on fashion map

IT SANK in a violent storm taking its precious cargo of silk, muslin and calico to the bottom of the North Sea. Now, 250 years on, the wreck of the Svecia is providing an unexpected bounty to the islanders of North Ronaldsay, writes Karin Goodwin.

While the sumptuous textiles may be long gone, a rare dyewood, used to colour the precious fabrics, has been recovered from the wreck and is being used to produce a unique line of designer knitwear.

The red sandalwood has lain on the ocean floor since the East India Company cargo ship bound for Gothenberg was caught in a gale off the island in 1740 and sank with the loss of 24 men.

With the help of international experts on dye and historical records, islanders have created a range of colours for their traditional knitwear made from the wool of the famous North Ronaldsay sheep, which